DMACK completes two-day gravel test

DMACK completes two days of testing with its WRC-spec tyres
DMACK completes two-day gravel test

DMACK Tyres has completed two-days of gravel testing in Latvia as it evaluates the tyres it will make available for the 2011 WRC season.

DMACK's world rally championship specification 205/65-R15 gravel tyre in G4 compound was used both days on the WRC and Group N rally cars supplied by technical partner MML Sports.

The test road on the first day had a soft surface with a mix of fast and slow corners while on the second day conditions were faster with a hard base and loose gravel surface. Performance and durability was found to be comparable with other motorsport brands.

"I was very impressed with not only the performance of the tyres but also the feeling they gave - which is very important from a driver's point of view," test driver Mark Higgins said. "The stability gave me confidence in the fast sections and through high speed corners. Generally it was an extremely positive test and we should have a very good product for competitors to try."

The first batch of gravel tyres will be available for teams to test in October. Feedback will be collated and used to determine the final specification before full production gets underway in December. Tarmac tyres are currently undergoing evaluation and will be available for use by competitors in November.

"The test last week was very successful and met our expectations with regards to the performance of the new tyres," DMACK motorsport director Dick Cormack said. "We still have a lot of further testing planned on a full range of surfaces and conditions but last week's results really helped us evaluate some key aspects of the compound and the general handling characteristics.

"We want teams and competitors to start using the tyres soon so we can gather their feedback and confirm the final specification for the gravel tyres."

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